We are driving from Lisbon to Porto and I am considering stopping at the Batalha Monestary on the way and skipping Jeronimos due to the lines. Has anyone been to both? I am open to being convinced to go to Jeronimos if it is that much better. We will be traveling with our 24 and 27 year old sons. Thank you.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5646 posts
We went to both (and Alcobaca and Tomar) Batalha is easy to visit and was an interesting visit. The cloister is striking with a beautiful fountain. Jeronimos was probably my favorite, its drop dead gorgeous, but super annoying to visit. That said, we were glad that we did. For Jeronomos (we were there spring of 2023) the best plan of attack is to purchase the tickets online and show up by 9am if not earlier. It didn't matter what time slot you purchased, everyone waits in the same line. Lame! Also, if you want to visit the church (where Vasco de Gama is interred) you have to wait in another line. Also lame. If you don't want to do both, the monastery is by far the best choice. They don't let many people in at a time which is nice once you get in.
Posted by
271 posts
We have visited both, the suggestion is to visit the Batalha Monastery interior and exterior and visit the Jerónimos Monastery exterior only, if you don't have the time or patience to wait in line.
The exterior has beautifuly carved stone.
Posted by
11180 posts
We really enjoyed the Jeronimos Monastery with its Manueline architecture.I can’t imagine skipping it.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6584 posts
I too hate lines. For that reason alone I’d go with Batalha. I haven’t been to Jeronimos monastery since 1979. There were no lines back then. I enjoyed Batalha monastery more than Alcobaca monastery, but enjoyed the Convent of Christ in Tomar even more.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5646 posts
I would agree with James's ranking of the monasteries. Alcobaca was also my least favorite. Nothing really against Alcobaca, more because the others were more interesting and had more to see. Tomar's Convent of Christ was a fascinating visit. Loved the connection to the Templars and later the Knights of the order of Christ. Tomar town was also a great visit. Pretty, and there is a lot to do and see there. Good restaurant options.
Posted by
WA USA
1103 posts
Another vote for Batalha. I like both Jeronimos and Batalha, but Batalha just a bit more. And you won't have the crowds. But once in Lisbon, you could always change your mind and go to Belem and take a peek at the Jeronimos Monestary to see how long the lines are. But take advantage of having a car to stop and see Batalha in route.
Posted by
11180 posts
We enjoyed the Jeronimos Monastery much more than Batalha.
Posted by
Toronto
7 posts
I personally liked Batalha more and would return there again as it's beautiful inside and out (tour entire place). Jeronimos I found that while inside is nice, I don't think it was worth going in. All the beauty is on the outside